Mary Virginia Douglass Brown
November 12, 1927 ~ January 22, 2021
Mary Virginia Douglass Brown, age 93, has died. Passionate about politics, Mary supported conservative Republican causes locally and nationally. She was elected to represent the 8th district on the Kansas State Board of Education in the 1990s.
A dedicated educator, Mary taught art at Wichita Collegiate School in the late 1960s then enjoyed teaching English at Wichita West High School during the 1970s. She launched a second career as a home decorator with The Brown House of Décor, helping many friends feather their nests throughout the 1980s.
Born in Girard, Kansas, Mary was a proud third generation Kansan through both parents. She met her husband of 52 years, John Silas Brown, who passed in 2003, at the University of Kansas. Mary later earned her Masters in Education at Wichita State University.
Active in Kappa Kappa Gamma, her college sorority, Mary also was a member of P.E.O., Wichita Junior League, and Central Christian Church. After living in the College Hill neighborhood for five decades, she made her home at Larksfield Place in recent years.
Mary is survived by her brother, Myrl Robert Douglass, daughters Jodie King (Bradley King), Corie Brown (Chris Fager), four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A Girl Scout herself and a troop leader for both of her daughters, in her memory Mary’s family would appreciate donations to the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland https://www.kansasgirlscouts.org/en/donate/Investingirls.html
No services are scheduled at this time.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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I was privileged to be a student of Mrs. Brown my sophomore year at West High 1971-1972. Her unit on the short story format, walking us through the process of writing, has been a fond memory and a lifelong inspiration.
Jodie and Corie, I am so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing! Growing up on Crestway I remember her as such a lovely & kind person. It was so sweet when she stopped by to see mom when she was so ill. Our mom’s had their hands full with so many kids and homes to play in! Will hold all of you in prayer during this sad time. No matter the age it is hard to lose our mamas!
I have fond memories of interviewing Mary for a project between Friends University and Larksfield Place. She was a fascinating lady and I loved visiting with her. Sending prayers to the family.
I am happy to call Mary my friend and sister in PEO. She was a great addition to our Chapter. She will be missed. Rest in peace, Mary.
You had to know Mary to love her. She was a very intelligent ,caring and generous person. Always liked to talk to her because it would be a learning experience . The 1st line of the obit. was all she thought needed to be said. But there was a lot more to her then that. Will miss you Mary but will see you again.
As President of the Wichita Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences. We were proud to call Mary a Kappa Sister and we morn her loss. Thinking of the family at this sad time. Lynn Loveland
Mary was a Godly influence on my daughter and her friends when they were in high-school. She volunteered to lead their church small group. They learned from her what it meant to live a life dedicated to serving others and serving the Lord.
I was blessed to know Mary as my sister in PEO. It was always so fun to visit with her. I appreciated her sense of humor and her passion and enthusiasm for politics and her other interests. I admired her continuing engagement, sharing and giving even when she reached an age when some might “retire”. I am thankful for her example. Praying God’s comfort for you at this sad time.